Pancreas transplant: best clinics abroad

Pancreas transplantation is considered for selected people with insulin-treated diabetes and serious complications, such as kidney failure or repeated severe hypoglycaemia. A functioning donor pancreas can produce insulin and improve glucose control. Options include a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant after a kidney transplant, or a pancreas transplant alone. Most people taking insulin do not need transplantation. Assessment weighs current diabetes treatment, general health and the risks of surgery and long-term immunosuppression.

Patients may seek an opinion abroad to compare specialist transplant programmes or discuss islet transplantation as a separate option. Before travelling, confirm programme acceptance, the donor pathway, required assessments and follow-up at home. A consultation does not guarantee transplantation or a waiting time. A successful graft may reduce the need for insulin, but requires anti-rejection medicines and monitoring. Diabetes treatment must continue until the transplant team advises changes.

Who may benefit

The team reviews diabetes type, severe low glucose episodes, kidney function and response to modern treatment. Most candidates have type 1 diabetes, although selected people with type 2 diabetes may also be considered. Heart, blood vessel and lung health, and ability to follow ongoing treatment, matter. Benefits must outweigh surgical and immunosuppression risks.

Choosing a transplant pathway

Kidney failure may lead to consideration of simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. Other options include a pancreas transplant after a previous kidney transplant, or a pancreas transplant alone for severe hypoglycaemia. Islet transplantation transfers isolated insulin-producing cells and has different features and limitations. The endocrinology and transplant teams choose the approach together.

A deceased donor organ is usually used. Confirm access to the programme, matching requirements and organ allocation before arranging travel abroad. Availability of a suitable organ cannot be guaranteed for a particular date. Assessment includes organ function, infection screening, blood vessel evaluation and a medication review. Continue the agreed diabetes treatment until the team changes it.

The operation

Under general anaesthesia, surgeons place the donor pancreas in the abdomen, connect its blood vessels to the recipient’s circulation and arrange drainage of its digestive secretions. The patient’s own pancreas usually remains. A combined transplant also includes a kidney. Connection techniques depend on the programme and clinical circumstances.

Recovery and risks

Staff monitor glucose, graft circulation, kidney function, the wound and signs of infection. Activity and eating increase gradually. Anti-rejection medicines are required for as long as the graft lasts, with regular tests and visits after discharge. Arrange reliable medication supplies, local follow-up and emergency contact before returning home.

Risks include bleeding, infection, graft vessel clots, leakage, rejection and graft failure. Further surgery or removal of the donor pancreas may be necessary. Immunosuppression increases infection and some cancer risks. Fever, severe abdominal pain, blood in stools or breathlessness need urgent medical assessment.

Costs

Assessment, any combined kidney transplant, admission, complications, medicines and long-term monitoring affect costs. Ask what the estimate includes.

FAQ

Can I stop insulin beforehand?

No. The team adjusts insulin according to glucose and graft function.

Is an islet transplant the same procedure?

No. It transfers isolated cells rather than a whole pancreas.

Will all diabetes complications disappear?

No. Improved glucose control cannot guarantee recovery of organs already damaged.

Where can I review diabetes care?

See endocrinology for specialist assessment and treatment.